“It was my mother’s idea, but I have to admit, it’s fitting,” he says as he fastens the clasp. Its sole charm is a baby carriage. “We’ll fill up the bracelet eventually.”
“It’s gorgeous.”
“You’ll be happy to know that’s not your only reward.”
“I feel spoiled.”
He looks at his watch. “I’ll have a car come get you so that you can have lunch with your mother.”
My heart sinks. “My mother?”
“She’s been an annoying thorn in my side, threatening to file a missing person’s report on you. At least now, I’ll know some peace. While you’re away, I’ll have your stuff moved to my main penthouse, where you’ll have a proper introduction into my family and society.”
“That can all come later, can’t it?” I say, feeling panicked. “There’s no need to rush.”
“Nonsense. I’ve kept you in this dungeon far too long,” he says as he taps the screen of his phone.
I force a smile, hoping he doesn’t see through it, to my misery.
“The car is en route. Make sure you tell your mother I said hi.”
“Will do.”
SIXTEEN
Mateo
The GPS devicechirps when it finally arrives at the restaurant. A few moments go by before I hear my wife greet her mother.
They engage in idle chatter with Herminia going into grave detail about the dilapidated conditions she’s kept in. Ivy laughs, and I find myself charmed by the sound of it.
So much of my wife beguiles me, twisting my mind in ways that are downright dangerous.
Yet, I can’t help but feel enchanted by her presence. Even knowing she wants to kill me, I yearn for her, which is a goddamn tragedy.
Herminia:I didn’t expect your husband to play such tricks.
Ivy:There were no tricks. He just…wanted to get away so that we could focus on securing his inheritance.
Herminia:So am I to be a grandmother?
Ivy:You are.
Herminia:Finally. We’ll have to start preparations.
Ivy:But we’ll need a spare.
Herminia:We can’t risk it. Not after the stunt your husband pulled.
Ivy:Stunt? He was taking me away from the distractions of?—
Herminia:Stop being so defiant! I know what you’re going through. I was terrified when I was planning your father’s…situation, and I had even fewer tools to work with than you do.
Ivy:Fewer tools? Poison detection back then was nearly nonexistent.
My heart all but stops as my wife confirms my greatest fear. That Lance was indeed right, and she’s out to kill me.
I should call the cops now. Even if the evidence I have is inadmissible in court, I have enough power to steer things in my favor.
